[Original post] Ten years after the devastating attacks on America, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta recently said the U.S is "within reach of strategically defeating al-Qaeda." His comments came following the successful joint U.S. intelligence and military operation in May that led to the death of number one terrorist Osama Bin Laden, and the intensified effort over the past several years to wipe out senior al Qaeda operatives through drone missile strikes. "I do believe that if we continue this effort that we can really cripple al-Qaeda as a threat to this country," maintained Panetta.

Although there have been some impressive gains in wiping out the terrorist leadership through both capture and killing, there are still a significant number of names on the most wanted list.

CNN spoke with a number of intelligence agencies to come up with a list of the dirty dozens: the 12 most significant terrorists who are now dead, have been captured and those who are still being hunted. The lists are obviously subjective–there are many more candidates–but these are some of the top combatants in the war on terror.

DEAD

1. Osama Bin Laden:

Founder and leader of al Qaeda, responsible for the 9/11 attacks against the US as well as numerous other mass casualty attacks. He was killed by US Navy Seals during a raid on his compound in Abbottabad,Pakistan in May 2011

2. Muhammad Atef

Founding member and military chief of al Qaeda. He was killed by a US airstrike during early fighting in Afghanistan in November 2001

3. Abu Musab al-Zarqawi

A militant jihadist who opposed US presence in the Middle East and had a profound hatred for Israel. He formed his own terrorist group, Tawhid wal-Jihad. In 2004, he pledged alliance to al Qaeda and changed the name of his group to al Qaeda in Iraq. He was responsible for hundreds of attacks in Iraq. US bombs killed Zarqawi in Iraq in June 2006.

4. Abu Layth al-Libi

Senior al Qaeda military commander who planned attacks against US and coalition forces in Afghanistan including a 2007 bombing of the Bagram Air Base during a visit by then Vice President Richard Cheney. He was killed in a drone attack in Pakistan in March 2008

5. Atiyah Abd al-Rahman

Until his recent death, he was the number 2 to al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri and was a key facilitator with al Qaeda affiliates. Materials seized in the Bin Laden compound showed Rahman was in frequent contact with Bin Laden. He was killed by a drone strike in Pakistan in August 2011

6. Abu Hamza Rabia

Third ranking member of al Qaeda who replaced Muhammad Atef after his death. He served as an operational planner for attacks against the US and was killed by a drone strike in Pakistan in November 2005

7. Abu Ayyub al Masri

Replaced Abu Musab al-Zarqawi as leader of al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) and the insurgency in Iraq. He was killed in a joint US/Iraq operation in April 2010

8. Sayeed al-Masri (also known as Abu Shaykh Mustafa Abu al-Yazid)

Number 3 in al Qaeda hierarchy, commander of operations in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and chief financial officer. He was killed in drone strike in Pakistan in May 2010

9. Mohammad Hasan Khalil al-Hakim

Senior operational manager, deputy chief of external operations, head of propaganda for al Qaeda. He was killed by a drone strike in Pakistan in October 2008

10. Abu Khabab al-Masri (also known as Midhat Mursi)

Al Qaeda's chief bomb maker and chemical weapons expert. He was killed in a drone attack in Pakistan in July 2008

11. Abu Obeidah al Masri

Senior al Qaeda operative who was implicated in the 2006 Trans-Atlantic plot to bomb commercial airliners after take off from London. He died of natural causes in December 2007

12. Anwar al-Awlaki

[UPDATE September 30, 2011:Officials report al-Awlaki has been killed]

Yemeni American, Muslim cleric who advocated violent jihad against the United States. He was connected to two of the 9/11 hijackers as well as the accused Ft. Hood shooter Maj. Nidal Milik Hasan and suspected underwear bomber Umar Farouk AbdulMutallab. He was considered an operational leader of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in Yemen. A CIA drone strike killed Awlaki in September 2011.

Third ranking member of al Qaeda, operational planner and mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. He was captured in Pakistan in March 2003, and is held at Guantanamo Bay (GITMO), Cuba

2. Abu Faraj al-Libi

Replaced KSM after his capture, directed operations against US and coalition forces in Afghanistan, planned 2003 assassination attempt against then Pakistani President Pervez Musharref. He was captured in May 2005 and is held at GITMO

3. Ramzi Bin al-Shibh

Involved in planning of 9/11 attacks, associated with some of the 9/11 hijackers, believed to have been targeted to be the 20th hijacker but was unable to get into the US. He was captured in September 2002 and is held at GITMO

4. Abu Zubaydah

Initially believed to be a high ranking al Qaeda leader, but the US later concluded he held a much lesser position. He was captured in Pakistan in March 2002 and is held at GITMO.

5. Umar Patek

Connected to the 2002 Bali nightclub bombing which killed more than 200 people including 7 Americans. He was captured by Pakistani forces in January 2011 and sent to Indonesia

6. Younis al-Mauretani

A key planner for al Qaeda who is believed to have had direct contact with Osama Bin Laden and was involved in planning attacks in Europe. He was captured by Pakistani forces in September 2011 and is held by the Pakistanis.

7. Hambali (also Riduan Isamuddin)

Operations Chief for the terrorist group Jemaah Islamiya (JI), often described as Bin Laden's leader in Southeast Asia, believed to be connected to a number of deadly bombing attacks in Indonsia. He was captured in a joint US/Thai operation in Thailand in August 2003 and is held at GITMO

8. al Rahim al Nashiri

Head of al Qaeda operations in the Persian Gulf, believed to be the mastermind of the bombing of the USS Cole in 2000 which killed 17 US sailors. He was captured in November 2002 and is held at GITMO

9. Ali al Aziz Ali

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's nephew and chief deputy who helped train some of the 9/11 hijackers. He was captured in April 2003 and is held at GITMO

10. Walid bin Attash

Former Bin Laden body guard, assisted 9/11 hijackers, helped with preparations for the 1998 bombings of the US Embassies in East Africa and the 2000 attack on the USS Cole. He was captured in April 2003 and is held at GITMO

11. Mustafa Ahman al Hawsawi

Worked with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed on numerous al Qaeda plots including providing assistance to 9/11 hijackers. He was captured with KSM in March 2003 in Pakistan and is held in GITMO

12. Abdul Ghani Baradar

A founder of Afghan Taliban, deputy to leader Mullah Omar, directed the insurgency against US and coalition forces from Pakistan. He was captured by Pakistani and American intelligence forces in February 2010 and is held by the Pakistanis

MOST WANTED:

1. Ayman al-Zawahiri

A physician, long time deputy to Osama Bin Laden who recently was named leader of al Qaeda following Bin Laden's death. He has been seen and heard in numerous al Qaeda videos and audio tapes on the web. He is on the FBI Most Wanted Terrorists list, was indicted in the U.S. for his role in the 1998 bombings of the US Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania

2. Saif al-Adel

A member of the senior leadership of al Qaeda who is believed to be in Iran. He is on the FBI Most Wanted Terrorists list and was indicted by the U.S. in connection with the 1998 bombings of the US Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania

3. Anas al-Liby

A computer expert for al Qaeda who is on the FBI Most Wanted Terrorists list, and has been indicted for his role in the 1998 bombings of the US Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania.

4. Ibrahim al-Asiri
=

[UPDATE September 30, 2011:Officials report al-Awlaki has been killed]

Yemeni American, Muslim cleric who advocated violent jihad against the United States. He was connected to two of the 9/11 hijackers as well as the accused Ft. Hood shooter Maj. Nidal Milik Hasan and suspected underwear bomber Umar Farouk AbdulMutallab. He was considered an operational leader of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in Yemen. A CIA drone strike killed Awlaki in September 2011.

5. Adnan el Shukrijumah

A senior leader of al Qaeda's external operations program who is on the FBI Most Wanted Terrorists list and has been indicted by the U.S. in the 2009 plot to attack the New York City subway system as well as targets in the United Kingdom.

6. Hakimullah Mehsud

A leader of the Pakistan Taliban with close ties to al Qaeda and the Afghan Taliban. He claimed responsibility for the 2009 bombing a the Khost Forward Operating Base which killed 7 CIA employees. He is on the FBI Most Wanted Terrorists list.

7. Abu Yahy al-Libi

Islamic scholar, high ranking member of al Qaeda, seen as the public face of al Qaeda, appearing frequently in internet videos

8. Adam Gadahn

American propagandist for al Qaeda who is frequently seen on al Qaeda website videos. He is on the FBI Most Wanted Terrorists List and has been indicted for treason and material support for al Qaeda.

9. Mullah Mohammad Omar

Leader of the Afghanistan Taliban who allowed Osama Bin Laden and al Qaeda safe haven in Afghanistan when the Taliban controlled the country prior to the 9/11 terrorist attack on the U.S.

10. Nasser Al Wahishi

Leader of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), former private secretary to Osama Bin Laden. He has vowed to avenge Bin Laden's death.

11. Sirajuddin Haqqani

Senior leader of the Haqqani network in Afghanistan which maintains close ties to al Qaeda and who is believed to have planned an assassination attempt against Afghani President Hamid Karzai

12. Wali Ur Rehman

Senior member of Pakistani Taliban who has participated in cross border attacks against US and coalition forces in Afghanistan

soundoff(601 Responses)

Stefani

I precisely had to appreciate you once more. I am not sure what I would have done in the absence of the actual strategies shared by you regarding my theme. This has been a very scary setting in my position, but observing a expert tactic you managed the issue forced me to jump for happiness. Now i am grateful for this information and as well , trust you really know what an amazing job you happen to be providing instructing many others all through your web blog. More than likely you haven't got to know any of us.

We should just get out. Why should the US give black credit cards to every country that needs help. We should spend our money on our country men & women. Stop picking fights and giving help to those that do not seem to want it. If attacked we bite back, but if they stay out of our yard, we should not stray for long.

I precisely desired to say thanks once again. I do not know the things I might have achieved in the absence of the entire strategies discussed by you about this area of interest. Entirely was a very traumatic situation for me, however , encountering the specialized way you processed the issue took me to weep with delight. I am happier for the support and wish you really know what a powerful job you are always doing training the rest thru your webpage. I am sure you've never met any of us.

Smart mouth mobile has yet to let me down. I have not experienced any dropped calls. Thank goodness for the unlimited texting feature, between me and my kids my texting is endless. The apps are simple and easy to download. I am satisfied with my service, there were no hidden fees or surprises when I got bill. You get exactly what you pay for good service!!!

We should just get out. Why should the US give black credit cards to every country that needs help. We should spend our money on our country men & women. Stop picking fights and giving help to those that do not seem to want it. If attacked we bite back, but if they stay out of our yard, we should not stray for long.

you should be little serious while delivering any lecture about war on terror And it is important we should be concerned about the human loss and not think like a sectarian orthodoxy or else dont talk nonsense

well we need to address the bigger question and that is to end the cycle of unending violence You may call Obama a successful president after osama was killed by American seal But he has miserably failed to bring peace in Afghanistan
This is absolute responsibility of American adminstration to ensure that before leaving Afghanistan a stable government must be formed and all important stake holders must be empowered you simply cannot leave and the ruin the good work done during the last so many years And they say no Honor comes without responsibility A war on terror is good but what about the collateral damage done Justice is important It is enough to be honest one should appear to be honest

The significance of Alwaki's death to al Qaeda seems to be considered by many over stated, the really significant loss to them is the senior bombmaker who is thought to have been killed with him. Saw a couple of comments yesterday that the killing of Alwaki is more likely to increase the power of his propaganda videos to potential Western supporters, with him acquiring martyrdom status. Meanwhile the violence in Yemen escalates. I saw one report that the US is praising the Yemeni Government for help with tracking down al Qaeda figures, followed of course by Obama calling on Saleh to step down, and the US expressing concern about the violence in Yemen and hoping for peaceful transition to new government. Does the US Gov perhaps have a split personality, it seems a little undecided on where it stands. Saleh is clearly using al Qaeda as a tool for maintaining US support; as ally in fight against AQ, his Government is less likely to incur US criticism.

You maybe right Belj. However most Muslims are peaceful people and believe in/worship God. But there are these small minority of radical Islamic Muslims that are trying to brainwash the weak in faith fellow Muslims. What a shame! What is really amazing is that some of the Mosques let these radical Muslims speak or even become a cleric. Can't we blackball these radical folks from all venues so they don't brainwash the weak in faith?

All of these people have been so brainwashed. They really believe having hatred in their hearts toward another human being will land them in heaven for all eternity. I feel sorry for them when they die – they go straight to hell, and there is no forgiveness on the other side of the grave. Eternity is a mighty long time to spend burning and being tortured – all because you believed a lie that you are supposed to hate other people, purposely kill innocent people, and destroy everything in sight.

I just received an e-mail quoting Bill Cosby. Billy Boy has spoken the words of wisdom. Read on..

I'm tired of being told that Islam is a "Religion of Peace," when every day I can read dozens of stories of Muslim men killing their sisters, wives and daughters for their family "honour"; of Muslims rioting over some slight offense; of Muslims murdering Christians and Jews because they aren't "believers"; of Muslims burning schools for girls; of Muslims stoning teenage rape victims to death for "adultery"; of Muslims mutilating the genitals of little girls; all in the name of Allah, because the Qur'an and Shari'a law tells them to.
I'm tired of being told that out of "tolerance for other cultures" we must let Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries use our oil money to fund mosques and madrassa Islamic schools to preach hate in Australia, New Zealand, UK, America and Canada, while no one from these countries are allowed to fund a church, synagogue or religious school in Saudi Arabia or any other Arab country to teach love and tolerance..

I think the last sentence is true for all Muslim countries. Do they offer the same rights and equality to Christians, Jews or other non-Muslims in their countries? Then what right they have to demand equality here? Ron Paul needs to reassess his allegiance to America and its people. When a person, even though he may be a citizen of U.S.A. is trying to harm this country or its residents, he has lost his rights to be treated as any other citizen. Just ask the surviving family members of the people killed in 911 and Texas.

You know what Im tired of reading similar BS. Im tired of reading that Christianity is a "Religion of Peace" and that its a "Religion that Accepts the ideals of philsophies of ALL Religions". Those two quotes are pure and unadulterated Bullsh*t. Christianity has killed more people the muslims could ever dream of. Lets start with the whole sale slaughter of Arabs between the years 1095-1272. The slaughter of the Druids in the UK. The slaughter of the Mayans AND Azreks in Central AMerica & SOuth AMerica.The whole sale slaughter of the native americans in North America. The whole sale persecution of Wiccan's in Europe AND the US. Do I need to continue? Christianity has been around for 1,981 years and has lived by the rule "COnvert by Book or by Sword". Muslims have been around for 1,401 years and while they believe a holy war is brewing(which christianity also believes curious how 2 groups that hate each other believe the same thing) they didnt start attacking others till we told them how to live.

Uh....Ravan, I don't think Christianity has ever claimed to "accept the ideas and philosophies of ALL religions" like you stated. Jesus said very plainly, "I am the truth, the way and the life.No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) When I read that, I see very little wiggle room for other ideas and philosophies. I don't have to apologize for Christianity's exclusivity. Jesus said it himself so take it up with him.

October 2, 2011 at 1:22 am |

ISLAM IS FOR FAGGOTS

dude the world was fucking nuts back then we are a little more civiilized today i keep my cool with these stupid jihadist and fucking retarded allah worshipers allah can suck a cock and burn in hell thats were he is suck it you muslim pricks i piss on your religion everyday and put a big ass foot in your faces you bastards fuck allah fuck islam and fuck muhammad or waterever his stupid ass name is

October 2, 2011 at 3:23 am |

katmoondaddy

That was centuries ago and it has no relevance now. We are faced with the greatest evil since Hitler and they are out to kill you and me and everyone who doesn't bow to Allah. what don't you understand about this concept?

My dear American, brothers it is imperative to understand Islam and the perception of Islam among Muslims all over the world Americans must shun off this phobia that Islamic fundamental laws or the Islamic jurisprudence is against the American policy or interest But the only way to curb the violence in the Islamic countries is possible by employing a different methodology and that different methodology is by using the very islamic jurisprudence as a tool against Hatred,indifference callousness and bitterness
last but not the least it is important to address the problems faced by the Islamic countries all over the world

All of these people have been so brainwashed. They really believe having hatred in their hearts toward another human being will land them in heaven for all eternity. I feel sorry for them when they die – they go straight to hell, and there is no forgiveness on the other side of the grave. Eternity is a mighty long time to spend burning and being tortured – all because you believed a lie that you are supposed to hate other people, purposely kill innocent people, and destroy everything in sight.

*Over 50 requests sent out so far* Available upon request: official,
original, un-doctored BTS .zip files showing the 4 9-11 “hijacked”
planes either did not exist or were used for other purposes this day;
therefore, the “official” story crumbles. Send request to edmail404 at
gmail dot com and then get them out to everyone, everywhere. “V” for
Victory! Thanks.

Were it not for the intelligence gathered under the Bush Administration these al qaeda scum bags would have never been caught. All Obama is doing is riding the coat tails of the success on the war on terror. If Obama had it his way he'd be apologizing to all these prisoners at Gitmo for the way the United States aggressively targets these terrorists. Thank You President Bush for hunting these losers down.

Some of it happened to be acquired when Bush was President. However, the intelligence that led to Bin Laden, and the focus on capturing and killing him, happened under Obama. With Obama came a Treasure Trove of information, that has already led to the deaths of a number of Al Qaeda and Taliban senior members. Obama can't be denied credit for what he has done and the high risk decisions he made.

If you think that intelligence gathered 3-10 years ago is what the Armed Forces and Obama used, I think you're from the wrong century.
But what Bush DID do was to put us into war and make these people relevant!
Oh, and deregulate the banking industry which destroyed our economy, violate our civil rights, torture people, and become a war criminal who can not leave this country....
Have you noticed how Cheney, Ashcroft, Bush, and others have not left America since the wars they started? That is because there are many countries that will arrest them and try them as war criminals... which is what WE should be doing.

If you're mentioned in this article, you can't even cop a squat without plotting it out in a way to save the ass it's coming out of. I say you've paid plenty already, then you're going to be hunted down like a cockroach in the end.

So..... Seal Team 6 and our military accomplished this without orders from their Commander in Chief??? Or were they still getting there orders from Dubya???

October 2, 2011 at 7:35 am |

Sam

Idiot. READ the story! Look at the dates and see how many things happened before 2008. Bush is no saint, neither is Obama. But plenty of targets were taken out/captured during the Bush admin, and props to Obama for allowing bin Laden to be nailed by the SEALS and now this latest a-hole! (And I'm not an Obama fan, but give credit where it is due!)

Ok genius. You have a very good sense of equity in your comparison. All other AQ members killed during Bush;s tenure do not compare with the harvest of death of AQ leadership under Obama. If you think those local captains killed in Iraq equate to Osama bin laden, you are a chicken idiot!

October 1, 2011 at 11:21 pm |

larry

One by one, all these criminal thugs and terrorists will be eliminated and caste into the bottomless pit. There day will come by the hands of God and not Allah! They will all meet their true masters in the depths of hell!

Actually, I believe Judaism , Christianity, and Islam all use the Old Testament as a starting point, so Allah is just the Arabic translation of the word God. Sorry, looks like it's the same guy to me...

You know I'm not going to argue with folks who hate our country. They are folks on the right and on the left who simply hate our nation. They don't care about why our nation is in debt they just hate our country. Politicians on all sides can only do so much to help this economy. Equally if folks don't think we need to fight terrorism then go live with the radical terrorist who are trying to kill you. Our economy is in the shape it's in because of 10 years of war. We will soon withdraw from Iraq and I'm pretty sure we will become a lesser player in Afghanistan as more high value targets are killed. We are taking Al-Qaeda apart piece by piece. Will the fight against terrorism ever end? Please folks the fight against terrorism has no real beginning or real ending. It's like fighting crime. You will always have crime and you will always have terrorist. Some would argue that violent crime is terrorism. I agree with that. But what you hope to do is destroy the operational capabilitites of terrorist networks so they can't coordinate attacks. Yes this creates lone wolf or small cell terrorist who have no direct central leadership but those types have more opportunity to make mistakes and to get caught then the big centralized terrorist groups. Folks often ask if we will win the war on terror and I always ask how do you measure victory. Terrorist will never hand you a piece of paper offering surrender. But I truly believe in as much as victory is possible the U.S.A is winning. I support my President the Honorable President Obama. My president has not been perfect but you name me one president in U.S. history who ever was. Good Day, Joe.

This "long" list of Al Quaida soldiers or leaders neutralized is a huge technical achievement for our armed forces, but this approach to terrorism (which, by the way, is very similar to our dismal approach to drugs) can never reduce the terrorist threat. For every Al Quaidas killed there are 1000 youths ready to pick up the banner against us. The use of force, and only force, as the way to deal with serious problems is becoming an American trademark. We used to be friends with much of the Muslim world until we started invading countries and bombing people and helping the tyrants that lord it over them. With Bin Laden dead we can consider our mission accomplished, 911 is avenged, and pull out our troops, guns and drones. Terrorism threat will diminish when we stop being a threat ourselves, and when we stop being on the side of the enemies of the muslim people.

There are a billion and a half Muslims in the world. Most of them are woman and children and almost all of them are peaceful. What kind of lunatic would want to kill a billion and a half peacefull people. Terrorism is a crime, the worst kind of crime because it targets the innocents, but it is still a crime. you cannot lay crimes of a religions worst criminals at the feet overy one of that religion. Imagine if everyone in the world believed that every Christian was Like Hitler.

We should vote all those creepy little guys from Willy Wonka into Congress. At least they know how to get things done. The Old Boy network that's in there now is too infected with corporate interests to be effective leadership.

Im white over 21 am going to vote for Obama again! He did more for our country in his first 100 days I'm office than our last president did in 8 years. Obama is working to full fill every promise he made during his campaign. His blocks are insurance companies, republicans adding.to bills or blocking them for political reasons, doctors who do not accept Medicare because insurance companies contol tests or ways they practice medicine for payment they are controlled.! We all need to stop blaming and take an active part in writing our congress, after we know the real facts of what is purposed.

Hey u princeton idiot remember the difference between our service men and others is the freedom to write your ignorant comments and free ride to an education that you most likely received go marines army navy airforce coastguard thank you for your sacrifice for our freedoms

I am a Vietnam Vet and a liberal. If a person takes up arms against our country or incites and facilitates others to take up arms against our country, he gives up his rights as a citizen and has the same rights as any other enemy combatant. War is terrible and people get killed. That's the nature of the beast. If you f*ck with the ram, you get the horn!

It's actually 72 virgins and like 80,000 servants and thats the smallest reward you can earn. Sad these extremist are so brainwashed from an early age. Everyone knows this is bullshit, but don't tell them that or they'll prove its true by blowing themselves up in a crowd of their own people to disprove you. Shit I don't think I've met a virgin since I was 13, how can these idiots think their reward is 72? Their math must be more advanced than ours!

And shouldn't the 72 virgins and 80,000 servents who are up in heaven get virgins and servents of their own? Your right the math is difficult.

October 2, 2011 at 8:00 am |

DocHM1

I'm amazed at the postings following most politically related articles. The comments range from extreme views both liberal and conservative, contradicting arguments and facts (both of which I think could be manufactured), hate for Bush, hate for Obama, hate for a people who display troubling symptoms of things which we as a country facilitated to a degree in our history, what with manipulation of their respective regions.

I come to these comments to see if there are any edifying pieces of information that the manipulated media don't report. I've found some but overall a dissatisfying amount of that information. I'm 25 and from my point of view, attempting to educate myself on some of the hateful remarks from posters here. Emotionally charged responses to things which are short-sighted, seeing as my guess a majority of posters here don't seem to be old enough to remember congressional roles and presidential administrations past G.W. As a reasonable person, I can only assume that each previous administration leading our country had SOME role to play in our current situation, economically, politically, militarily.

But whenever someone presents some fact from the "public" records of the national treasury, or the fed, or of laws passed that brought us as a country here, I see awesome educational and edifying responses like "BULLSHIT" or "STFU" or "RACIST" or "YOU STOP HATING ON X". Sure there's a lot of ignorance out there, I'm not blissfully thinking we can change an entire region's hatred of us, blatant and indoctrinated in their own ideals, regardless of "why", we have enemies who are not really going to change their view because of psuedo-altruism to a place I've never been to. And one of the few statements I agree with whole-heartedly is that even if we weren't at war, those who preach our destruction would be.

Likewise, I'm not going to say that military service, of which I broke a 6 generation tradition, is wrong or over-zealous patriotism. If I were to take all the posters here as what kind of views comprise our nation, I'd be worried about our ignorance, our lack of humility, our unwillingness to discuss pseudo-facts, and on and on.

I come here to be educated because I'm not politically savvy, I'm not stupid but I'm young and coming to a place where I'm interested in the state of the world and my country. I guess I'm just disappointed, I hope yours and my children don't inherit a lot of what I see here.

dochm1
I agree that many of the posts are shortsighted, belligerent, and hypocritical. My reasons for visiting these sites is, like you, to see what perspectives I am missing from the media I read. I occasionally learn something because I mostly ignore the thoughtless entries and comment only when constructive communication is possible. I bet you could do a study of the angry foaming entries and would find that a small minority speak so rudely that it seems there is more irrationality than there actually exists. Please keep adding to the conversation and don't be dissuaded by the extremes.

STFU! People like Doc create the fxxking jobs you tealibans have been screaming about. You seem to be a victim of the dumbing down of America. Why do you hate educated people? Why do you get threatened by scholarly minds?

October 1, 2011 at 10:20 pm |

tjminneapolis

Doc – You are 25.. wise beyond your years. Thanks for excellent commentary, especially concerning social civility or rather lack of. Also lacking – in far too many of web commentary forums is an educated point of view, regardless of position or politics. Your thoughtful approach is much appreciated and sorely absent in most internet conversation.

We need more people like you reading and commenting on the ridiculous posturing on this site. Certainly this particular subject is really not suited to the "Fuck you", "WTF", "Asshole" type of reply. However, maybe you and I are in the wrong place? I do know that the Wall Street Journal has more educated, rational and erudite comments. Tom Friedman gives some very objective views in the NY Times. I was drawn here tonight to see what people aka Joe Public have to say. And, remember, this is the level of the average American's education that you are reading. Pretty scary, no?

NO, that was easy what next oh so superior one? suck a sausage get off the high horse.

October 2, 2011 at 3:34 am |

Michael

The only way to stop this madness is for religion to disappear from the face of the earth. These "peaceful" beliefs have caused more damage, more death and more utter despair than anything else that man has ever created.
Our immature desire to have an all powerful being look over us and protect us is simply ridiculous and many hundreds or thousands of years from now, our descendants will read with amazement about this period in human history, as we do now when we read about how humans lived thousands of years ago.

I agree, Michael. Religion has been the cause of so much human suffering.
Any time someone thinks they know the unknowable.... feels they have a lock on God... watch out!
It doesn't matter what religion, zealotry is dangerous.

Al Qaeda are being killed faster than flies in a Fly Swatter Factory. Once they are gone the Taliban will lose their purpose and the US can concentrate on bring US troops home. The only question facing the general public of the US is; WHO WILL BE THE NEXT BOOGIE MAN WE CAN THROW TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS AT.

Spoken like a true communist. Religion is not the problem. It's the sociopaths and all these mental cases that distort religion. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that it makes things easier, but it is not the root of the problem. This people are intolerant and just plainly full of hate for anything that doesn't look, sounds, and acts like them.

Joel, I never said religion should be outlawed. On the contrary, it will takes humans themselves to choose to overcome their immature beliefs and move forward.
When humans finally leave these beliefs behind, they will have more freedom than they have ever had before, as religion has kept humans from advancing for thousands of years.
So, while communism tries to control societies and keep people from making their own choices, the freedom humans will gain from no longer being controlled by religion will allow us to grow in so many ways.
Religion is far more controlling and dangerous than communism ever will be. So, while religious americans love to feel that they live in the most free country on earth, it is only an illusion, as their own religious beliefs keep true freedom unattainable.

Your a retard, dude. thousand years ago more people were religious than there are today. If you don't believe in God that's fine but don't push your atheist views on the rest of us. If people would truly live by religious values then there would be no wars. But because of people like you that have no moral values there will always be war.

Larry, put in the clutch for a moment. You call the writer a retard – which is quite arrogant and hostile.
The writer said RELIGION is the problem. You assume that means he is an atheist. Bad assumption. He is against religion, not necessarily against Spirituality.
You say that if people would live by religious values... but that is EXACTLY what these people think they are doing. It is what the Crusaders thought they were doing. It is what the Catholics thought they were doing during the Inquisition. It is what the Puritans thought when they were burning so called witches.... Each time, people have been following their religious beliefs. Hence the point: GET RID OF RELIGION! And get rid of the horrible arrogance and hostility that go with it.
You say it is because of people like the author that there are wars. ?????? How is speaking his mind an act of war to you? Rather, "You are a retard, dude..." sounds a lot more like the hostility and arrogance of war...
Also, just to say, when you state "dont' push your atheist views on the rest of us", you are hitting your head right on the nail. He never pushed atheism on anyone...never said he was an atheist. It is RELIGION that is always proselytizing...and THAT is the very problem with Religion! The Muslims think they should push their religion on us. Christians go out into the world and try to convert people – and they have caused millions of deaths through history....please...get it straight.

Larry,
Why is it that when anyone questions the foundations of religion, they are called names. Why not afford me the same freedom of thought as you would lime for yourself.
I agree that religion has been around for thousands of years. If you properly read what I wrote, I said that religion has caused so much pain around the world and it continues today mostly due to religious zealouts trying to hold on to whatever power and perversions they have left.
As well, it is a real shame that you believe that only through religion can humankind live a moral life. If we go back into history, religion has been directly involved in and the sponsor of theft, murder, rape and torture and many times by those religious leaders we have trusted most.

October 1, 2011 at 5:17 pm |

KAC

Larry,
Who coined the term "Jihad?" This is not an athiest term. Religion = wars. Ask Japan.

October 1, 2011 at 7:16 pm |

ISLAM IS FOR FAGGOTS

Wow so you mean religion has killed more then the
Civil War
World War I&II
Cigarettes
Alchol
Cars

see these were all man created just like how you have two fathers you were man created.
those seem to be ranking pretty high.

Reading the comments here on CNN's web pages/blogs is the greatest entertainment I've found since Jay Leno's "Jaywalking" episodes. One can only hope that the often-BREATHTAKING stupidity I read here isn't typical of everyone in America.

lol... You, my man, are right on target. If I didn't laugh, I'd be crying over some of these posts! I-yi-yi... Soo many people fire-off emotionally charged statements that aren't based on any type of fact. Slow down people and think! lol...

where are the boondock saints when you need them. but seriously, God bless our troops and their efforts in the middle east. my plan to help fight for our country is, unfortunatly, more long term than just joining the army – i want to be a doctor in the navy and work on a ship stationed near the fighting. i'm still in college and I hope the war won't go that long though, but if it does, i want to help our troops.

I was shocked to read yesterday that the media bought up the question of this treasonous piece of crap being unjustly killed? Yes, we have laws and yes we should apply those laws to all Americans, but there is a point any and all Americans can go to that voids their participation in our justice system. For those of you who do not know by now or have forgotten, we are at war with these people. They want to kill you and I. They show no mercy to uniformed Americans, civilian Americans period.
This American decided to side with evil. By doing so, he voided his American citizenship and in my opinion, became fair game in this war.

It wasn't the media, it was the libertarians and the aclu. Two organizations that run their ship with nothing but the us constitution as their guidance. It seems you should be mad at the constitutional literalists, not the media.

October 1, 2011 at 3:46 pm |

Milldawg

They need a "Who's Who" of the U.S Government. They are just as dirty as Albert Qaeda.

Thats because women are treated like garbage in Afghanistan and Pakistan and would never be allowed to be Taliban etc. 80-85% of women in these countries are illiterate and their young sons have more power and say so than they do. I witnessed young boys doing whatever they pleased and if their mother dared to tell them otherwise the kids basically said STFU mom or I'll tell daddy and he'll beat you!

Fact: Al Qaeda will never completely be defeated. Just like Medusa, you can cut off one snake's head but there are, and always be, more to take its place. The main problems causing groups like the Taliban and Al Qaeda to surface and wage war against America and its coalitions is their intervention in the internal politics of other countries, support for corrupt governments and the unequal distribution of wealth in the world.

Wildone spouts the same old tired justification for Islamic violence. Blame the US, use Israel and the US for distractions from the economic inequities in middle eastern country. Borrowed directly from the Nazis. Islamic terrorism existed prior to our involvement in Iraq or Afghanistan. I agree we should not have troops on the ground there and Bush and his cronies were insane to go there. But our withdrawal from those countries will not stop the root problem. Poverty, lack of non-religious educational opportunities and treatment of women as second class citizens. The Quran is a book calling for global domination and jihad and the religion has evolved into one of violence. Sad but true. Clean up your own houses and leave us alone. Those who preach hate are welcome to leave America anytime.

I am not justifying the violence. I merely stated the fact that for every Jihadist killed in the war on terrorism there are others to take their place. And you seem to agree that poverty caused by the unequal distribution of wealth is one of the root problems. But you fail to recognize America's role in intervening in the internal politics of other countries when we feel threatened, have a desire to spread our form of government, or wish to control their natural resources. I served America in the Armed Forces and earned the right to criticize my Government. "Blind obedience to petrified opinion never broke a chain or freed a human soul."

October 1, 2011 at 8:33 am |

Peaceone

You maybe right Wildone. However most Muslims are peaceful people and believe in/worship God. But there are these small minority of radical Islamic Muslims that are trying to brainwash the weak in faith fellow Muslims. What a shame! What is really amazing is that some of the Mosques let these radical Muslims speak or even become a cleric. Can't we blackball these radical folks from all venues so they don't brainwash the weak in faith?

Here we go with the small percentage argument AGAIN. Islam has 1.3 billion followers. If 15% are radicalized, and that is a very conservative count, that gives us close to 200 million throat cutting, vest wearing, willing, killing fundamentalist Jihadists. Couple that with "Silence =Approval" and your argument still leaves too many of this type alive.

October 1, 2011 at 10:22 am |

BADGUY

I worked with many Muslims overseas and , although, I was always watchful when the US intervened in some part of the world that roused the radicals, I NEVER had any problems with Muslims. They were ALWAYS polite, kind. I think THERE IS something to "it's the radicals NOT the religion or 99% of the general population". We have radical Christians in this country, just as capable of murder and criminal acts. We have to find a way to sort out the crazies. We can't go after the Religion. There's laws and the constitution that prohibit that.

October 1, 2011 at 11:36 am |

Proud to be an American

Muslims worship a demon as a god and do his will. This war will never stop until they convert to worship the only true God and do his will.

October 1, 2011 at 1:00 pm |

Zenomorph

Wildone is correct. Until the Middle East makes a decision to not tolerate terrorist organizations, similar to what the US did with the KKK, these organizations will not disappear. They are still supported by Middle Easterners by their willingness to tolerate them. Until that time comes, I say, "Kill them (terrorists) all."

Hey Amber, are you Sarah Palin's sister? That would make sense since you have nothing of substance to say and simply spew vitriol (you can look it up at dictionary.com). You are one of a frightening number of unproductive, hateful, ignorant extreme conservatives who cannot grasp what is needed to reform this country prefering only to blast the liberals or anyone who doesn't share your ignorant views.

Notice how we accused Pakistan or harbering terrorists. Now they claim they don't want anything to do with us now. Next day they ran to Japan, talking about how Japan is their best friends and how they have good relations with Japan. Japan hasn't agreed with anything they have said about them being good allies. What countries fail to realize that you want to be good allies with the US. I've been surving my country in the Army for 11 years and been to war 4 times, and wouldn't choose another job for the world. We can destroy 90% of all countries in less than a week like we did Iraq. I do believe that Pakistan is turning their heads away of what's going on in their country and it will catch up to them sooner or later. You will get caught and killed, sooner or later. People are right, this will never stop because one dies another steps up and claims to be leader and then he dies. Nothing against Muslims, just really don't trust them.

Now I understand why you spell the word "serve" surve, because you in the army, and they don't have standards. I'm in the Navy and it is sad when you see another person in the military who cannot spell.

Now I understand why you spell the word "serve" surve, because you in the army, and they don't have standards. I'm in the Navy and it is sad when you see another person in the military who cannot spell.

I hope your m.o.s isnt clerical because your grammer isn't correct either. being in the military isn't about using proper english its about defending this great nation from threats domestic and abroad. In case you don't see your error (because you're in the army, not because you in the army )

Thank GOD for the winepress of god,and thank god for the winepress of GOD. When it is all finished,the meek will have inherited the earth indeed...and the ruins. Which will but by AMAZING GRACE; re-establish a reformed AMERICA as the greatest Nation comprised of a multitude of Nations of our Cellestial Sphere.Mr.Mako,what many nations today do not understand is ;that if it was not for the global role that AMERICA by our origins of GODLY principles has sacrificed its very own for,they will all fail to exist.CIVILIAN SOLDIER STANDING BY SIR.

out of the 12 dead 7 were killed in Pakistan, out of the 12 captured 8 were in Pakistan. Which country do u think the rest would be found?, which country do u think would be supporting them? man this is a tough question to answer

You are right and thats one place were putting a lot of focus on. Pakistan like Mexico and Afghanistan are extremely corrupt, yet we fund all three. Oh and NOWAY calling me dumb is fine, but I know what I'm talking about. I am a former Green Beret that has spent 22 1/2 total months on the ground in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Sure were broke you are right about that, but isn't protecting our freedoms and fighting for them worth it? Easy for you to say that its a waste, but what if we sat back and just watched our towers fall and said man that sucks, oh well its cheaper to build new ones then go stop what did it. Preventing and stopping terrorism is the right thing to do, regardless of the costs. Imagine what would happen here in the homeland if these cowards won by turning us into cowards. More 9/11's would destroy our economy just as bad. People would be afraid to fly, etc, etc. Guess were screwed if we do, screwed if we don't. Guess I'm just some stupid patriot! (with an IQ of 168)

Thank you for your service. It is true patriots like yourself that keep all the idiots in America safe. We have a battle here also and it's called a cultural war, blatant racism by those who falsely accuse others of being racist, a race to communism, and a great disrespect for our very own Constitution. Nothing will improve here until the leadership is changed. Many of us value our freedom, so you have not served in vain as far as we are concerned. I would imagine the thanks you get would never come from liberals, though.

October 1, 2011 at 6:05 am |

Michael White

You shouldn't tell the truth like that...CNN doesn't like that stuff. You bet Pakistan is a terrorist harboring nation. They support them to. I'd be willing to go to war against Pakistan to knock them down and eliminate the terrorist threat permanently.

Talibans were created by USA in Pakistan. Isn't USA terrorist harboring country?

Pakistan is paying the price of US intervention to prevent Russia from taking over. These talibans are twisted muslims who are taught selective Islam (Thank you USA) and now its a mess here. Pakistan used to be a nice place 20 years ago, now its a mess. Life is miserable here because of you guys. Hunt down and kill your terrorists but stop dong propaganda using the words "Pakistan" and "Islam".

October 1, 2011 at 6:04 am |

LoveAmerica

Diamonds: Like most Pakis, you thrive in blaming the rest of the world for all your misfortunes. Look around you for the damages caused by the policies of your successive regimes, supporting insurgents, producing thousands upon thousands of terrorists in your madrasas, teaching young minds false history and hatred towards others, subjugating all faiths not supported by your regimes. Your countries national wealth is from the doles that we Americans give out from our hard earned dollars.

October 1, 2011 at 7:31 am |

rough

What a lot of racists, swear if these folks were christians no one would be bashing their religion. Islam would prevail not by these thugs but what it stands for, people are n will convert to thousands just go look on utube even to my suprise tony blair sis inlaw just converted so keep on hatn pals ull be the only 1 getn the ulcers......

I've noticed an interesting thing about people, for the most part people hate when someone has more. For example teenagers hate their parents when they perceive they have taken to much control. Employees hate their bosses because they have more money and authority. The blonde hates the brunette and the brunette hates the blonde. I guess that's why these extremest hate Americans, I guess because we have so much. We have beautiful cities, kind people, jobs, wealth, homes, families and the list goes on. They have poverty, one cause and no hope, except for a war against the religion or ideas next door. People are easily influenced so they fight that which they don't understand like the 2 year old that is screaming because he or she was told NO! They fight because the world has told them NO!.

You left out the biggest piece. We have FREEDOM! And many here don't appreciate it or put it in the highest regard they should. They are so ignorant that they don't even see the careening toward communism that this country under the DEM leadership taking. It has always been the DEM agenda to strive for world communism. When the people don't agree, we are called racists.

I wouldn't be jealous of Donald Trump or Bill Gates but If I hate the Bernie Madoff, its not because he was rich but because he became rich by taking others money and happiness to fulfill his desires. USA is perceived to be doing this in the world. Putting fingers in everyone's business and dictating what is right and what is wrong!

To the surviving members of Al-Qaida. Another member of your organization has been terminated. Our offer still stands. Cease your activities and renounce jihad, and you probably will live a long life. If you wish to continue, then you too shall meet the same fate as Mr. Awlaki did. Dr. Ayman Zawahiri, wherever you are, be advised: The anticipation of death is worse than death itself. KSM, dead. Richard Reid, Captured, the Underware Bomber, captured. The Times Square Bomber, captured. Nidal Hassan, captured, and going thru trial. Illyas Kashmiri, Dead. Osama Bin Laden, DEAD. Anwar Al-Awlaki, DEAD. YOU ARE NEXT!!!! No matter how long it takes, no matter where you are, we will look for you, we will find you, AND WE WILL DEAL WITH YOU. INSHALLAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Regardless we ARE winning this war, because not a single American civilian life has been lost here on our land by a Islamic extremist group since 9/11/01! The way we win is by "listening" and by that I mean America is the greatest eaves-dropping country in the world, and most other listening countries let us bend their ears, so to say. All the MASINT, ISINT, HUMINT information we gather is evaluated and out of that comes the winning! The reason so many names are left on the list is a combination of loyalist to terrorists by certain countries and more importantly the harboring and protection of powerful terrorists leaders. Don't worry who we cant find or capture of better off kill, we will someday and there will always be another name and day. Evil does not sleep or take breaks, we can not afford to either. Army SF, DEVGRU, SWCC, US MARINES, NSA, CIA, DEA, DSS, and FBI don't sleep.

God your dumb! We spent trillions of dollars fighting these wars. Our country is feaking bankrupt, and countries like India and China are setting the stage for the next hundred years. You really think America is winning this?

October 1, 2011 at 12:16 am |

Curtis

MAKO, the only reason why we have not had another attack or whatever is not because we are winning this war. It's because the enemy has chosen not to attack again. If you don't think there are sleeper cells in the U.S. waiting on the word you are dead wrong. Luckily we have thwarted many attempts and hope to continue. We will never "win" this war because as soon as we capture or kill someone many more take his or her place. I like yourself know first hand as I have been "fighting" this war for 20 years now and I'm tired of it!

October 1, 2011 at 5:44 am |

Amber

Love you!!!

Noway, this person is far from dumb!!! You are the moron. You, and all your liberal thinkers. Freedom isn't free. This soldier stands up for you too and you are so disrespectful of his service and willingness to give his life for your sorry A$$! You leftists are the biggest pieces of manure on the planet!

October 1, 2011 at 6:20 am |

Diamonds

I do't believe that USA is winning at all cause what is happening is that these operations are producing more hatred among the people in these regions and they see USA invading their country and when USA will leave, this will eventually grow into a bigger mess for USA. War is never a solution but a problem itself.

October 1, 2011 at 6:29 am |

Biggerdawg

Diamonds; If and when these so called Islamic scholars are able to do basic reasoning with out consulting the Koran they just might see that it is their teachings that inspire the masses to sign on and THAT attracts our, the U.S., attention and we deal accordingly. Fire with fire. The big difference? We go after the one person, perhaps some get in the line of fire, some are associates or just wanna bee/soon to be operatives, so they take their chance hanging out with this type. You, Islam, is fine and dandy with destroying public places, homes, churches and buildings full of innocents. You do this willingly like it's going to do something terrible to our resolve. Did you see the way the U.S. groveled when the WTC came down, Marine barracks attacked or ships attacked in port? Me either. What the world sees is the sleeping giant awake, pissed off and publicly declaring to bring the fight to you. Keep playing with us, it just makes us stronger. You've learned absolutely nothing in 10 years. Not surprising actually.

Problem is that Talibans are ready to die while trying to kill US troops, Pakistani troops, Afghan and Pakistani Police etc. There is no negotiation possible with these guys and BTW they don't represent Pakistan or Islam.

So u mean to say even when in the above article, out of 3 categories of dead, captured or wanted, more than 50% were found or were from pakistan.......and "u say they dont represent pakistan".................. ok so many people like faisal shehzad, farooque ahmed, najibullah zai and others who commited or were trying to commit terrorist acts when living int he US even after geting an american citizenship......were from pakistan or were trained there or got funds from there?. They are not representing pakistan?...............................attacks in mumbai, Uk 911 all were traced to pakistan and u say they dont represent pakistan.

U mean to say capture of osama bin laden from pakistan, a mile away from pakistans most important military training institution the kakul academy from where the current pakistani general chief of staff kayani himself graduated, was a fluke. Osama was staying there without any local support!!!!!! can u urslef belive that pakistan is still not involved in funding terror.

DIAMOND i understand ur emotions of bieng a paki .........that too a muslim paki......and that too an extremist muslim paki...... but nonetheless my friend time has come for ur country to take out americas dick from ur mouth and start sucking on chinese.... to save ur asses..........and chinese are smarter. so lets see if they put their dick in ur mouth or ur mums ass....

October 1, 2011 at 11:16 pm |

Shawn McFadden

To the surviving members of Al-Qaida. Another member of your organization has been terminated. Our offer still stands. Cease your activities and renounce jihad, and you probably will live a long life. If you wish to continue, then you too shall meet the same fate as Mr. Awlaki did. Dr. Ayman Zawahiri, wherever you are, be advised: The anticipation of death is worse than death itself. Take note: KSM, dead. Richard Reid, Captured, the Underware Bomber, captured. The Times Square Bomber, captured. Nidal Hassan, captured, and going thru trial. Illyas Kashmiri, Dead. Osama Bin Laden, DEAD. Anwar Al-Awlaki, DEAD. YOU ARE NEXT!!!! No matter how long it takes, no matter where you are, we will look for you, we will find you, AND WE WILL DEAL WITH YOU. INSHALLAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok I have read enough of all you professor want to be's. Anybody who thinks that these bad economics times just started a couple of years ago need to get your heads out of the sand. Every administration since Carter has contributed heavily. Every administration since then has basically done nothing to stop it. They are all equally guilty. Our current issue is that we hired a guy to run the largest corportaion on the planet that has no experience and it is showing.

As far as the terrorist go I think that the ACLU should stop complaigning and celebrate with the rest of the country. I don't care what religion a person is, if they try to hurt Americans they should die a slow miserable death!

We can't waste these cowardly pukes fast enough. And I could give a rat's patute whether it is "legal" or not. These maggots are good at terror attacks against unarmed innocents but hide behind women when confronted by real warriors. They are spawned from 10,000 years of camel dung and need to be exterminated.

As long as they want to post (the terrorists) that they are important people bent on terror against the world good luck as we my find you. Give up now and live but you must give up your entire network.

Every single one of you that has a negative comment regarding president Obama is and will always be racist and hateful people that what to only preserve their whiteness. I'm gonna let u in on a secret more that half of u are not white just hateful. And more white,black and brown will help reelect him.

You are a narrow-minded, ignorant, emotional little punk, aren't you? You are just perfect for the Democrats. So, go ahead and believe your silly liberal ideas, but please leave the governance to us adults.

Why is it everytime someone don't agree or they have something to say about Obama then some black person says they are racist? I don't care what color he is he has ran the deficit up more than the last 3 presidents combined. Just for your information he is half white as well. Amazing how everyont forgets that. I also noticed at his annoguration that all you seen were black preachers, speakers and everything else. So who exactly is the racists?

Atiyah Abd al-Rahman looks like he's trying pass himself off as a Latino. Forget it, muzzie s hit, we know the difference.
Sirajuddin Haqqani looks like he sleeps in doorways in Islam-is-bad. (Amazing how Pakistan's capitol is named for the truth about their religion.)
Mullah Mohammad Omar looks like an extra from "Lawrence of Arabia".
Abu Zubaydah looks like a wannabe Jeff Bridges in "True Grit". (Sorry Jeff, but imitation is the finest form of flattery.)
Umar Patek looks like he just saw under a burka for the first time.
Saif al-Adel looks like a greaseball from high school who was trying to be "cool".
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed looks like a rough night out on the town. I can picture him in a burka wearing a lampshade on his head.
Hey, this is fun! Can anyone add a few?

That might be due to the fact that they put their peters up horses asses.
It's the men who should wear burkas. They're uglier than a barrel of dung on a hot day.
I look forward to seeing a bullet hole replace the scar on Ayman al-Zawahiri's forehead!

September 30, 2011 at 8:17 pm |

Bitter True

What ( We) American’s are doing in Horse’s Ass.
We should look in our shirt before grapping others

There are radical people in very country hiding or taking up shelter. All the other countries should just start invading these countries and kill them all and that would include people in America too. Global war – just wipe every living soul is the only way solve human indifference and extremism. Way to keep your head in the sand!!!

Al Qaeda is nothing more than a group of low crawling rats who are envious of all nations who have real freedom. Freedom to choose and to align with whatever the heart desires. Al Qaeda are more mentally diseased than any other entities alive. They are fools and cowards and have to hide in caves and in Pakistani Protection bc they know they are nothing more than a crippled group of wretches with giant cross hairs on their faces. Al Qaeda will be crippled within a year's time. Annually, they demonstrate their desperation and weakness. After Zawahiri is killed, I hope that Al screwoff will find another day job. 9/11 as did Pearl Harbor demonstrated to our enemies that the United States will never yield to anyone, any time, any decade, ever. These Stinking Rats need to understand that this is almost 2012. Not in Biblical times anymore Dorothy. Women are people too! Take a note, take a shower, plant food instead of opium, and surrender. You have nothing and your noone! Minute by minute you isolate yourselves more and more. THe world is against you and you will never succeed. Your days are all numbered. I challenge Adam Gaydahn to a boxing match right now in my front yard, tonight! He needs to put down that bag of Burger King or Taco Bell and face the music! The United States is the Greatest Nation on this Planet and I am so very proud to be a part and a citizen here. The world is a wayward place, but I still know that I am free! God Bless the U.S. and all of our men and women in uniform! All those who have died in combat or in acts of terrorism domestically, your spirit will live on forever! No matter what war, era, conflict, We Will Always Emerge Victorious!

Anyone want to take bets on when Zawahiri's face wil be hit by a Hellfire Missle? The U.S. Military Rocks! Thank You Yemen and your leaders for stepping up to the plate and being Real Men, unlike your cowardly Pakistani counterparts. Pakistan, We will find out all your dirty secrets and embarrass you in front of the entire world! Soon enough you will have to answer for that!

For some of the comments made earlier about the 2 Bush administrations, Bush Sr is the One who pissed Bin laden off the Most bc he (Bin Laden)couldnt defend his homeland in the first Iraq war. Its all about the black gold! My mother actually protested against Bush senior and his Halliburton partners while she was in college in the early 90's. And as far as I am concerned American lives are more precious than all of the oil in the earth! Blood is thicker than oil and too many lives have been claimed for it! Go Solar Dude!

September 30, 2011 at 7:40 pm |

daken

Unless and until we ban Islam, I'm afraid this war will never end. The real culprit is Islamic ideology – not a particular or few people. People may be killed or captured, but if the ideology is allowed to be continued to be propagated, more will keep on rising.

1. Banning Islam would only get rid of it in the U.S. And I have a feeling most of the countries where the al-Qaeda members are hiding out won't be banning Islam any time soon. 🙂
2. The First Amendment to the Constitution says that Congress can't make any laws abridging freedom of religion.

the law of freedom of religion needs to be changed to "as long as the religion is based on love and peace" otherwise ban all freedom of religion...

September 30, 2011 at 7:42 pm |

daken

If US would take the lead, I'm sure other countries would follow – Canada, Israel, as well as many European countries are also plagued with this menace called Islam... they will follow sooner or later... then it'll be the beginning of the end of this 1400 year old curse ...

September 30, 2011 at 9:14 pm |

daken

the military war as well as the intellgence war has to be complimened with the ideological war – the root of the probem lies in Islamic ideology ... if that hateful ideology continues to spread, then how do you expect miltary and intelligence alone to eliminate this problem alone ?

September 30, 2011 at 9:20 pm |

daken

this war would have been more successful if our politicians didn't go around saying 'Islam is a peaceful religion' – without understanding it well...

September 30, 2011 at 9:24 pm |

Mark

And I suppose we should burn all their holy books as well? Geeze, you are pathetic.

Ban Islam? Ban Kuran?
Great!
Let's ban Tea Partyers. Let's ban Republicans. Let's ban Liberals. Then we can all be like the Taliban, and ban anything and anyone we want! And we can execute people. Yay!
Ban Ban Ban the Taliban!
The thing to do is to look responsibly at our actions overseas, and see us as the enemy sees us. They think we are just there for the oil. They think that our CIA has murdered and deposed their leaders and installed dictators, who have tortured and murdered hundreds of thousands of people over the years.... They think we supported Saddam Hussein in his war against Iran. They think our CIA got rid of the elected Mohammad Mosaddegh, and put the Shah into power. ANd that they trained the Savak in torture and murder of the Irani People.
See, once we understand their misplaced anger, we can help them see how innocent we are, and how much we love them. THEN they will be our friends again... and give us cheap oil...

Why isn't B. Hussein Obama on one of these lists? He ordered NASA to reach out to muslim countries thereby giving them rocket technology. When you see the rockets falling on American bases and cities we can thank B. H. O. for that.

What a moron !! They've all had rocket technology long b4 Obama came along. Iran and Iraq nearly annilated each other in a 10 year war you obviously don't remember, in which they lauched thousands of rockets at each other. Pakistan has had both nuclear weapons and rocket tech. for a couple of decades now as does their enemy India. Please, go back to school and get an education, idiot.

People like you make me ashamed to be an American. I expect such propaganda and ignorance from the Talibans, but not a fellow American. You are no different from the hateful douchebags who are trying to harm us. You just happen to speak English.

People like our Muslim loving president make me ashamed to be American. He should be on one of these lists! Only a few more months of his Anti-American term and then we can all begin to rebuild.

September 30, 2011 at 6:50 pm |

2011cnn2011

we tried nice...it dont work...

September 30, 2011 at 7:15 pm |

Rebekkah!

Agreed. People like that have no idea what they are talking about, they just talk out of their asses. That is like saying "lets just bomb all those countries and wipe them off the plant", yes because we all know all Muslim and Middle Eastern people are terrorists! Idiots!

September 30, 2011 at 8:24 pm |

Rebekkah!

Do some research "DRAGON"! If you did you would find out that there are 1.5 billion Muslims in the world. If they were all horrid terrorists, dont you think we would all be dead by now? Ignorance is what fuels hatred all over the world. Educate yourself!

September 30, 2011 at 8:36 pm |

Jeff

@Dragon...I find it awesome we have a Muslim loving president. One of the ideals that America was founded on was religious freedom. We want a president who embraces all religions just as we as Americans should embrace all religions. You sir are the one that makes others ashamed of being America. Your hate and intolerance have no place in the America that believes in freedom. Please educate yourself on the ideals that our flag stands for before you represent yourself as American.

I can't help but think of the SNL skit with Robert DeNiro as an agent of the Homeland Security task force, hunting such nefarious terrorists as M'Balz Es-Hari, Hous Bin Pharteen and Mustaf Herod Ap Yur Poupr...

Obama is the one who got Osama. As far as the destruction of our country goes, I think Dubya got the fire started or maybe his daddy with his "New World Order" that had no place for the American middle class. Obama just isn't much of a fireman.

Using your logic then it is solely Obama's fault this nation is in debt over a trillion dollars. If the slate is wiped clean every time a President is elected then he is really screwing us on our economy and will not be re elected.

September 30, 2011 at 5:27 pm |

Reasonable1

Seal Team 6 was also available during Bush regime. But Bush did diddly squat with the Seal Team 6.

September 30, 2011 at 5:36 pm |

Steve

Fact the Fact, Obama did get Osama.it was the members of the US Military that got him. Thank you Very Much.

September 30, 2011 at 5:51 pm |

Dragon

I love when people don't know the facts on this and claim that "Obama" got him! First of all, the Seals had him several times when Bush was in office, however, due to Pakistani interference, they were not allowed to finish the job. Second, Obama hesitated for 16 HOURS before Hillary told him to "MAKE THE CALL OR I WILL!" So if Obama had it his way, is brother Bin Laden would still be alive. So don't even give that spineless, anti- American jerk credit for getting him. We will be a much better country after he leaves office!!

September 30, 2011 at 6:58 pm |

larry

It was Obama who gave the order, it was his cabinet and Hillary that were in the White House overseeing the operation that killed Osama Bin Laden. The military carried out his orders, the planning and execution of the raid was made by Obama, his cabinet and the military brass, the men who did the raid were carrying out orders given by the President of the United States of America. Give him credit, without his orders, the put down of Osama Bin Laden would have not happened!

October 1, 2011 at 7:37 pm |

larry

All these whiners who think that Obama doesn't deserve any credit would be the first ones praising Bush2 if he had the balls or intelligence to have gotten Osama Bin Laden first! Bush 2 had neither the intelligence, balls or nerve to go after Bin Laden. The Bin Ladens were personal and financial friends of Bush1 and Bush2 and responsible for giving the Bush family the capital to start the oil business back in Midland/Odessa back then. Obama had the balls, the intelligence and didn't owe the Bin Laden's anything! Obama is still bringing them down, one by one! Thank God for Obama!

October 1, 2011 at 7:49 pm |

Reasonable1

Dubya did more damage to our country with the financial crisis than Bin Laden could. Obama squashed Bin Laden numerous other terror mongers.

Obama inherited all this fun stuff, and made the call to get bin laden when everyone said wait...so he is doing pretty good with the hand that was given to him...

September 30, 2011 at 7:09 pm |

PiratesRule

AS long as that change doesn't take us back down the republican road I'm game. I really think you need to change congress, They are the ones not willing to work with Obama . We were fighting to stay afloat when his term started in case you forgot. Yes he didn't deliver us from that place\, maybe we took one step up but we were falling quite fast when Bush left office.

September 30, 2011 at 7:24 pm |

Slapnuts

YOUR NEW NAME IS SLAPNUTS..YOU ARESO STUPID. SO QUICK TO BLAME TH EBLACK MAN FOR THE PROBLEM. BUSH DESTROYED AMERICA AND WE ARE STILL PAYING FOR IT. OBAMA TRIED TO FIX IT BUT THE RACIS REPUBLICANS FIGHT HIM AT EVERY BILL.. YOU WANTED OSAMA, OBAMA GOT HIM FOR YOU. TENNESSEE WANTED A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP..TEE MARTIN GOT IT FOR THEM...I COULD GO ON AND ON. NOW YOU NEED TO THINK ABOUT THAT NEXT TIME YOU HATE ON THE BLACK MAN..AND EVERYBODY ELSE THAT AGREE WITH YOU SLAPNUTS.

yea slapnuts thats a good one, i agree lets not blame the "black man". Lets blame your school system for failing you! How are you even going to associate terrorism with sports anyway??? Way to live up to all the cliches, you just set your race back 45 years... "YOU ARESO STUPID" but yea lets not blame the black man lets blame everyone who thinks like this uneducated fine young man... also, "our" PRESIDENT is black as previously pointed out, your going to need another excuse for not being a productive member of society besides "THE RACIS REPUBLICANS" A.K.A "the man" keeping you down.... grow up and GO ARMY

October 1, 2011 at 9:58 pm |

Jeff

Any credibility or intelligence you might have had left when you started name calling. The world will just tune you out like every other kid crying because be he didn't get his way. Just sayin'

Can all of you folks out there quit trying to assign credit or discredit to our current and previous presidents? I really do give a rats a$$ who gets credit just so long as we kill as many of the rag headed sons of bitches as possible. We are ALL American's on the SAME team!!! In WWII our jobs were to kill Nazi's and Japs. We were on the same team then and we are on the same team now. We all know the mission no matter who the commander is. As long as the commander supports exterminating these vermon I don't care who he is. Get on the American team not the Dem or Repub team. BTW I'm a conservative but I support this president in the mission wholeheartedly!! God Bless the USA.

Very True Big T, however Obama did nothing to get these terrorists and doesn't deserve credit. The CIA and the soldiers are the ones who get the job done against terrorists. I support my president but that doesn't mean I like him or agree with some of his policies.

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Search Security Clearance

Share this blog

About this blog

CNN's Security Clearance examines national and global security, terrorism and intelligence, as well as the economic, military, political and diplomatic effects of it around the globe, with contributions from CNN's national security team in Washington and CNN journalists around the world.